Meet Jaznae Norman

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jaznae Norman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jaznae below.

Jaznae, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

Keeping my creativity alive has definitely been a journey of trial and error. Over time, I’ve learned to really listen to my body and lean into what I want to create, not just what I think people want to see. That shift has been essential in staying connected to my artistic voice. I’ve been drawing and creating since I was about 5.

Early on, I gravitated toward portraits and sketched collages made up of random objects. Things like a iPod Nano, a teddy bear, a burger, a paint palette, or an ice cream cone covered in sprinkles all coming together to form a bigger picture that represented me. As I got older, around 13, I started getting more curious about drawing people. I remember sketching Chris Brown and Michael Jackson.

Eventually, I discovered a talent for hyperrealism, and those works started gaining a lot of attention. I received commissions for portraits of loved ones and pets, often incorporating them into paintings so seamlessly it looked like they were part of the original photo sent from customers. That became a niche for me. But even with that success, I hit a point where I felt stagnant and not just creatively, but personally. That’s when I realized I needed a change in environment and a shift in my art. I wanted to move beyond just portraits and create from a deeper place. My heart, my mind, and my spirit. I started exploring more conceptual work rooted in my own experiences, history, and even themes like societal issues and conspiracy theories.

Now, my art tells my story, and that’s what fuels me. Reconnecting with my inner child, while also staying grounded in what I feel called to express has been the key. That balance allows me to evolve while keeping my creativity alive and meaningful. Not just for me, but for those who experience my work. My art is an experience. Experiences never die.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As an artist, my focus is to uncover and share the truths of the world we live in. Truths that have long been hidden, misunderstood, or distorted. I aim to educate, empower, and awaken awareness about our collective consciousness, history, culture, environment, and the deep-rooted systems that have shaped our lives. Much of what we know today operates under misconceptions and misinformation. Through my art, I seek to challenge those narratives and offer a new, authentic perspective. My work is a vehicle for breaking down barriers, shifting perceptions, and contributing to a greater collective awakening.

My artistic journey began in high school, where I started to find my voice and vision. In 2010, I had the honor of showcasing one of my early paintings at The High Museum of Atlanta through my school’s magnet art program. After graduating in 2012, I was accepted into SCAD Atlanta. Although I’m originally from Richmond, Virginia, Georgia became a second home for over 15 years. I now reside in Charlotte, North Carolina, continuing to grow and expand my practice. These cities have all played a role in shaping my identity as an artist.

In 2023, my work was featured in the Picasso and Bearden exhibition at The Mint Museum. Then, in 2025, my painting “Beyond The Field” was exhibited at The Southern Modern alongside Ernie Barnes’ iconic “The Sugar Shack.” That moment was not just a milestone in my career, it was confirmation that my message resonates. “Beyond The Field” became my most memorable and highest selling piece, impacting both culture and community. Most recently, I showcased “Beyond The Earth” at The Bechtler Museum, a continuation of themes from my earlier work that explores self, spirit, and storytelling through a layered visual language.

Looking forward, I’m exploring a potential collaboration with Novant Health Center in Charlotte. After engaging with patients, staff, and community members, I saw firsthand how art can support healing by reducing anxiety, chronic pain, and stress. Their mission to integrate art into healthcare across multiple facilities mirrors my own values. My brand, grounded in the motto “Change the “norm”, welcome authenticity”, naturally aligns with their vision. I believe that authenticity is healing, and my work is a reflection of that truth.

Art is everything to me it’s a lifelong journey of discovery, connection, and purpose. I’m passionate about continuing to create, collaborate, and give back, whether through teaching classes for nonprofits, designing community murals, or producing public works that inspire dialogue and pride. Ultimately, I envision creating a space where artists can gather to share stories, learn, and grow together. I also dream of presenting a solo exhibition of my latest, spiritually driven pieces works that have touched others and reaffirmed my purpose. My goal is simple. To show up for others through my art. Whether through cars, clothing, canvas, or community, I want to serve, to heal, and to transform.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three things that really shaped my journey have been curiosity, resilience, and intuition. There’s no one path, no final destination. So stay wild, stay open, and stay true.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always open to collaboration. I’m especially drawn to working with people who bring a unique perspective or concept to the table. Restaurant owners, bars, stadiums, local businesses, musicians, filmmakers, writers, designers, plant mama’s and plant daddies, auto shops, or fellow visual artists. I love creating work that feels intentional, so if you’re someone who values storytelling, mood, and experimentation, we’ll probably vibe well.

I’m particularly interested in projects that explore identity, emotion, or the intersection between the organic and the digital. If you have a concept that needs visual energy or if you’re looking for someone to help shape the aesthetic of a project, I’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or on Instagram @vibesnart. Share a little bit about who you are, what you’re working on. Let’s build something meaningful together.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @vibesnart